SHAH ALAM – Project Strong: Ban Canal Edition successfully brought together fitness enthusiasts and challenge seekers for a day of physical endurance, teamwork and determination at Karnival Ban Canal 2026 in Sabak Bernam on Saturday.
Moving beyond the familiar setting of gyms and conventional fitness competitions, the challenge saw participants take on physically demanding tasks inspired by the daily activities of local farmers and fishermen, turning the surrounding landscape into an unconventional fitness course.
Organised by Sinar Daily, the half-day event challenged 14 teams of two to navigate different checkpoints involving cycling, running, stand-up paddling and carrying heavy loads while adapting to outdoor conditions.
More than just a test of physical strength, the event highlighted the importance of communication, mental resilience and teamwork, as participants had to rely on one another to complete each task.
Team ATM, comprising Indra Abunawas and Steven Bana Ak Kudom, emerged as the overall champion despite describing their preparation as relatively casual.
Indra said they had previously been involved with the Sukan Lasai Association and participated in various events, but had not undergone specific training for Project Strong.
"Actually, we didn't prepare specifically for this competition. Our training is usually just for fun, and we joined at the last minute," he said.
Despite their limited preparation, the duo managed to complete the course and secure the top position.
Indra identified the running segments and mental demands as among the more challenging aspects, particularly when the pair had to manage their different physical strengths and keep each other motivated.
"Running was challenging for me. It was also a mental challenge because there were moments when I had to push myself to keep going," he said.
They added that they were satisfied with their teamwork and would be interested in joining another edition of Project Strong.
Meanwhile, Team Ozone, comprising Muhammad Irwan Kamaruddin and Leong Chee Wai, secured second place, bringing experience from endurance-based activities, including Spartan races and obstacle course racing.
Leong said the competition offered an enjoyable experience, although the stand-up paddle checkpoint proved particularly demanding because it required balance and concentration.
"I think the hardest part was the paddling because it required a lot of balance and focus. I was glad my teammate managed to complete it without falling," he said.
The pair said they were satisfied with their overall performance, especially as some of the challenges were unfamiliar to them.
"For our first time doing some of these challenges, I think I'm very satisfied with our performance. Overall, it was fun and wholesome," Leong said.
He added that the outdoor setting made the competition a refreshing experience compared with other fitness events they had previously joined.
"I would highly recommend the experience. It was fun and refreshing, and I would encourage others to come and join us next time," he said.
Team ATM B, comprising Deyno Dominikus and Muhammad Shafiq Adam Jubile, finished third despite entering the competition without specific preparation.
The pair described the course as challenging but enjoyable, particularly as they had to support and motivate each other throughout the different checkpoints.
"We didn't do any training before this. It was a new experience for us, but it was fun," they said.
Deyno said the experience highlighted the importance of teamwork, especially when fatigue began to set in.
"Teamwork is important. We kept encouraging each other, even when we knew we were tired. We had to work together and give each other motivation," he said.
He added that they had not entered with high expectations of winning but were pleased to have completed the challenge and secured a podium finish.
Apart from the overall competition, Team Santan Kelapa Muda, comprising Siti Nuraishah Misman and Nor Amira Mohammad Ghaus, received the redHOT Best Team Award by redONE Mobile for their teamwork and collaboration.
Nuraishah expressed her appreciation to the event's sponsors, saying participants received more than they had expected from their registration fees.
"I would like to say thank you to all the sponsors because I was really amazed by how much we received from the registration fee we paid," she said.
She added that winning the special award and receiving a smartphone was particularly meaningful, as it was the first time she had won a phone in a competition.
"It's the first time I'm winning a phone in my life. Credit to redONE, thank you very much. You really made our day," she said.
Team ATM received RM3,000 in cash for first place, while Team Ozone and Team ATM B took home RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively.
Team Santan Kelapa Muda received two 5G smartphones worth RM1,500 each and two AEON vouchers worth RM200 each through the redHOT Best Team Award by redONE Mobile.
The excitement continued with lucky draw prizes, with two participants taking home additional smartphones, while other lucky winners received electrical appliances and gifts from AEON.
All participating teams also received goodie bags worth RM300, ensuring participants had something to take home beyond the competition prizes.
The event was supported by Nivea, Eucerin, Hansaplast, Spritzer, AEON, redONE Mobile, Ikhlas.com and Milo, whose contributions added to the rewards and overall experience for participants.
Project Strong was held as part of Karnival Ban Canal 2026, which ran from Nov 6 to 8 at Ban Canal, Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam.
Through the challenge, Sinar Daily aimed to highlight that physical strength extends beyond gym performance, with adaptability, mental resilience and the ability to work with others playing an equally important role in real-life situations.